Microcirculation in single and multiple-based perforator flaps in an experimental model of rats

Our aim was to evaluate the effect of single and multiple-based perforator flaps on the microcirculation in rats. Two symmetrical abdominal flaps were raised around the midline in 17 rats, and sutured into their original positions after dissection. All major perforators in the flap were left intact on one side, and on the opposite side only one perforator was retained. The microcirculation in the flaps was measured with laser Doppler perfusion imaging at different time intervals. Before dissection of the flap the mean (SD) microcirculation was 5.5 (1.6) units in the multiple-based perforator flap and 5.5 (1.4) in the single-based perforator flap. Within the first two hours after the flap had been raised the highest microcirculation was found after 30 minutes with 7.3 (1.3) units in the multiple-based perforator flap compared with 6.5 (1.4) units in the single-based perforator flap (p = 0.002). We conclude that the microcirculation in the single-based perforator flap was not reduced after dissection. However, a reactive hyperaemic response was found only in the multiple-based perforator flap.